Stanford in the Rose, Florida State in the Orange, Nuggets stop Clippers run at 17, NFL News and Notes, MLB Hot Stove, the NHL responds + Free Play for Wednesday, January 2, 2013

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Stanford tops Wisky in the Rose

It figured to be a knock down drag out street and it was as Stanford turned back Wisconsin 20-14 in Tuesday’s Rose Bowl. The Cardinal used it’s power running game and staunch front seven to shut out the Badgers in the second half and come away with the six-point win. Stepfan Taylor rushed for 88 yards and a score and was named offensive MVP for Stanford. Montee Ball countered with 100 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for the Badges who lost for the third straight year in Pasadena. This was old school black and blue division football from the 70s and arguable the best played game of the Bowls to date.

Florida State fights off Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl

The 2012-2013 Bowl Hit of the Year

Just in case you haven’t seen it yet, check out this hit by South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney’s big hit in the Outback Bowl on Tuesday. You’ll be watching it for the next ten years on Sports Center guaranteed.

The Clippers 17-game win streak comes to an end in Denver

It wasn’t going to last forever but it was epic while it lasted as the Clippers lost to Denver 92-78, snapping L.A.’s franchise high 17-game win streak. The Nuggets used a 27-16 third quarter to take a 75-59 lead after 36 minutes and then cruised to the easy 14-point win. The Clippers had their worst shooting night from the field going 30-78 including just 5-29 from downtown. Compounding matters was a 13-29 night from the foul line. Danilo Gallinari led the winners with 17 points as Denver extended it’s home winning streak to eight games.

NFL News and Notes

The 49ers have signed kicker Billy Cundiff to come in and compete with the struggling David Akers. Cundiff was cut October 9th by the Redskins after going 7-for-12 to start the season. He had previously auditioned with San Francisco on November 27th but coach Jim Harbaugh chose to stay with Akers.

With seven NFL coaches fired on black Monday, Oregon Duck head coach Chip Kelly is the hottest name being pursued out of the college ranks. The 49-year-old coach is known as an offensive innovator and his fast-paced, high-scoring offense has led to the most successful stretch in Oregon’s history. Kelly talked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year and reportedly is at the top choice of Cleveland and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Price signs one-year deal to stay with the Rays

American League Cy Young winner David Price has a greed to a one-year $10.1 deal to stay in Tampa Bay. Price and the Rays avoided arbitration this year. Price can become a free agent in 2015. The 27-year-old left-hander went 20-5 with a league-leading 2.56 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 205 strikeouts in 211 innings in 2012. Price made $4.3 million in 2012.

The NHL responds to the new player offer

The league and the players met for the second straight day in New York and though the meeting was just a half hour, it was positive in the sense that both parties went back to work to review offers and counteroffers as the sides continue to try and hammer out a new CBA. Wednesday is Day 109 in the lockout and while not official, January 15th is assumed to be the doomsday date for a season to be played this year.